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Television commercials advertising male pattern baldness remedies often lead to prolonged periods of reflection. You wonder if it’s financially viable. You wonder why fedoras went out of style. You wonder if shaving your head bald would somehow hide it, possibly even making you seem more hip. But inside, you know you’d rather have your good ol’ hair where it should be: on your head, not in your drain. You know there must be a male pattern baldness remedy that could help you rebuild your confidence.
Before deciding on whether or not you can or should do something about hair loss, it is important to gather information and come to understand this widespread condition. Which male pattern baldness remedy is the most effective? Is there anything I can do to either slow or stop hair loss without resorting to medical, surgical or cosmetic alternatives?
You’re going to find this page divided up into categories to make your search much easier to navigate. The categories are: Topical, Cosmetic, Surgical, and Other. An actual hair transplant is the only real way to restore hair, but here are other treatments and methods that have been used over the years. Some good, some bad. Some work, some don't. It is totally up to the consumer to decide what they want to try.
Topical: Rogaine and Propecia are the most common pharmaceutical solutions used for getting some hair back or at least stopping it from falling out completely. Do the products work? It’s hard to say, not everyone will have the same results.
Rogaine: is an over-the-counter liquid that is applied directly over the affected region of the scalp. If applied twice daily, the liquid slows or stops hair loss, and may grow new hair.
While 80% to 90% of surveyed users do report a slowing or complete cessation of hair loss, only 10% to 20% of surveyed users report a re-growth of hair. Unfortunately, the new fuzz-like hair is still rather thin, not actually comparable to the thickness of the lost hair.
Furthermore, users who discontinue usage of the product find that their hair loss will resume right where it left off.
Propecia: is another medical solution, available in pill form. Though it is claimed to be more effective than Rogaine, Propecia's side effects can be quite problematic. Propecia's possible side effects are of a sexual nature: reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and decreased ejaculate. These side effects might only further contribute to lowered self-esteem often caused by hair loss.
Most users of these pharmaceutical solutions stop using these products within the first year. Perhaps as human genome research advances, a more effective medical solution will present itself.
Cosmetic: You’d be surprised how many products are actually out there and are actually purchased. Of course, the most common hair replacement product is the hair piece. It simply attaches to your scalp to cover a balding spot. This is a quick solution which does not involve surgery, however, it can get expensive and sometimes looks unnatural.
For those who choose not to go the way of the toupee, there are plenty of options waiting for you. They include sprays which cover the balding or thinning area and last until you take a shower. There is also what is known as “hair building fibers” which are tiny fibers that are sprinkled onto the desired area and will make the appearance of thicker hair. If fibers don’t do it for you, you can always apply a powder directly onto the hair. Of course, you can also try leave-in treatments which promise fuller, thicker heads of hair instantly.
Surgical: The one true way to stop hair loss and get back your head of hair is through surgery. There are several types of surgical procedures, all of which are suited for different needs and types of hair.
- Standard punch graft: this is a transplant containing 5-20 hairs. Unfortunately, most surgeons don’t like this method as it gives an unnatural, ‘plug’ look to the hair.
- Laser grafting: here, receptor sites are grafted with a laser. However, like the punch graft, most prefer to avoid this method because it scars the scalp and may even scar underneath the skin.
- Strip incision: here, small strips of hair are transplanted from one area to another. This is the most popular method of hair transplantation. It gives an equal, natural distribution, and leaves minimal scarring on the scalp. It is best advised to seek a qualified doctor.
- Follicular unit Extraction: a new method in which grafts of 1-4 hairs are placed into receptor sites. This is very time consuming and therefore expensive but the advantages far outweigh the costs. It is the most natural looking of the procedures and leaves no scarring.
- Mini-micrografting: this method involves using larger hair grafts of 1-6 hairs to be placed into the receptor sites. This is an inexpensive procedure and is completed in fewer sessions than most. However, drawbacks include slow healing time and possible wounds.
- Scalp extension: this is a two-step procedure which involves an implanted extension device which is not visible. However, there is risk of infection and being uncomfortable, aside from being expensive.
- Scalp reduction: here, you decrease the size of the bald spot by removing it. This method can leave scarring.
Other: If none of these methods or options appeal to you, then you can choose to simply wear a hat of your choice or shave your head.